POSTED UNDER Mini Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Only Enough Skin for a Mini Tuck: May 6, 2011: Alberta, Canada
ORIGINAL POST
Hi to everyone. I am a mom of 3 amazing daughters....
WORTH IT$9,000
Hi to everyone. I am a mom of 3 amazing daughters. The first is turning 19 and she was a c-section birth and then there are my six year old twins (natural birth). My c-section was disastrous and left me with a wide ugly scar, which I had revised a year later, but it didn't heal well in the middle, so I was never happy with how it looked. I have always been fit and after both pregnancies was back to my normal weight of 126 lbs within 5 months but with stretchmarks on both sides. The ones on my butt never bothered me that much (first pregnancy) but the ones I developed this time around have brought me so much negative emotions and made me very self conscious. I have had Fraxel, Thermage and Titan on my abdomen and although I did see some improvement, it wasn't drastic.
I had three consults with different plastic surgeons and decided to go with the third Dr. He made me feel comfortable and I was really impressed with the photos of the tummy tucks he had preformed on previous patients with a similar build to mine. One comment made by all three Dr.'s was that I didn't have enough skin for a full tummy tuck (probably bc of the skin tightening procedures) unless I went with an upside down t-scar. I have stretchmarks above my navel (and tonnes below), so it was very disappointing to hear that they would have to stay. I have opted to have a mini, with muscle tightening but I still have to have a hip to hip incision.
I am booked for May 6th and I am getting very nervous, almost wanting to back out. I keep looking at the pictures on here of the scars and it freaks me out. I am also afraid of the recovery and the drain tubes, that looks so gross. I see others have set up recovery rooms but I just don't have anywhere to do that. I will have to keep sharing the bed with my husband during recovery... any suggestions on what will help to keep me comfortable (and him) in my queen bed would be greatly appreciated as would any words of encouragement.
Does everyone feel this way? I applaud everyone for posting pictures, it is interesting to see the transformation. It would be great to see some one or two year post ops too, which I plan to do.
Pictures to follow soon!
Susan9929's provider
Replies (33)
April 20, 2011
Hi Susan, I love seeing fellow Albertans here!
I had a full TT April 4th. I am 5'5" and near 130lbs. I also keep active and stay (relatively lol)fit, so I didn't have much but the skin to loose. (I have pics on my review.) However, I had very obvious diastasis rectus (muscle seperation), so a mini tuck would not have been so effective for me.
I consulted with 2 different surgeons, and was told by both that that muscle repair is what hurts the most --so to speak.
There is no question, that even with a mini, you are trading in your loose, damaged skin and c-scar for a TT scar. Esthetically, it's that simple.
It seems that most TT'ers that have had C-sections previously, will attest that the recovery is comparable if not easier with TT, as there is no baby to care for. I have not had C-section, but it might be worth posting the question here :)
I was also completely grossed out by the drain tubes... right until they came out! ...but in hindsight, definately not as bad as I thought they would be.
I have been sharing my queen bed with hubby since day 4 post op, prior to that, slept on couch for comfort. You don't move much after surgery, and if hubby has slept with babies in the bed, he will naturally be cautious as well. It is so managable, and so much more comfortable than sleeping solo on the couch lol.
Your anxieties are completely normal, and even universal around here!
I had a full TT April 4th. I am 5'5" and near 130lbs. I also keep active and stay (relatively lol)fit, so I didn't have much but the skin to loose. (I have pics on my review.) However, I had very obvious diastasis rectus (muscle seperation), so a mini tuck would not have been so effective for me.
I consulted with 2 different surgeons, and was told by both that that muscle repair is what hurts the most --so to speak.
There is no question, that even with a mini, you are trading in your loose, damaged skin and c-scar for a TT scar. Esthetically, it's that simple.
It seems that most TT'ers that have had C-sections previously, will attest that the recovery is comparable if not easier with TT, as there is no baby to care for. I have not had C-section, but it might be worth posting the question here :)
I was also completely grossed out by the drain tubes... right until they came out! ...but in hindsight, definately not as bad as I thought they would be.
I have been sharing my queen bed with hubby since day 4 post op, prior to that, slept on couch for comfort. You don't move much after surgery, and if hubby has slept with babies in the bed, he will naturally be cautious as well. It is so managable, and so much more comfortable than sleeping solo on the couch lol.
Your anxieties are completely normal, and even universal around here!
April 21, 2011
I love your review! My tummy looked much like yours prior to the Thermage and Titan skin tightening, oh how I wish I didn't do that! Oh well, this will be an improvement no matter what. I am excited to not have a pot belly that my girls poke at and feel like my stomach doesnt match the rest of my body! I too was a teen mom at 18 (pregnant at 17) and my 18 year old daughter is going to stay home to help me for the week :) I am sending my twins to grandmas for the first seven days as I do not want them to see me in pain. I appreciate your words of encouragement! Thank you.
April 21, 2011
Thanks Susan! So glad I could be encouraging for you. Honestly, I'm convinced you will find it a piece of cake, and it sounds like you are totally ready for the "real" improvement :p
OK, as for the panties; Also a thong wearer. The thought of bikinis made me cringe... I'm afraid they will bunch up my bum, and cannot bring myself to even try them. I went out and bought stretchy (spandex like) boy shorts. Super comfy, and they have accommodated the post-op swelling and I wore over the abdominal binder.
However, when it came time to leave the house, I was mortified with the panty lines beneath my yoga pants, and, maybe because I'm pro-thong, they felt bunchy under 'real' clothes. I have since opted to wear seamless, super thin, super low cut boy panties. (I have been overly concerned about anything rubbing or chaffing my incision area.)
La Senza has the seamless, thin panties in thong, bikini and boy-cut (3 for $25). I think they are called "no sees" or "nakeds"... I LOVE THEM! No panty lines, no seams to rub, and barely there feeling, and they are low enpugh to stay under the binder and my incision.
OK, as for the panties; Also a thong wearer. The thought of bikinis made me cringe... I'm afraid they will bunch up my bum, and cannot bring myself to even try them. I went out and bought stretchy (spandex like) boy shorts. Super comfy, and they have accommodated the post-op swelling and I wore over the abdominal binder.
However, when it came time to leave the house, I was mortified with the panty lines beneath my yoga pants, and, maybe because I'm pro-thong, they felt bunchy under 'real' clothes. I have since opted to wear seamless, super thin, super low cut boy panties. (I have been overly concerned about anything rubbing or chaffing my incision area.)
La Senza has the seamless, thin panties in thong, bikini and boy-cut (3 for $25). I think they are called "no sees" or "nakeds"... I LOVE THEM! No panty lines, no seams to rub, and barely there feeling, and they are low enpugh to stay under the binder and my incision.
April 24, 2011
Ok, so La Senza it is! You mention avoiding any rubbing on the incision - is that why you wore the microfiber tank top under the binder? All these things to think about ...
April 25, 2011
Microfiber, because it is soft, seamless and super stretchy. My PS nurse actually suggested wearing a tank top under the binder for added comfort, less irritation to skin and bikini line(incision). It definately helps. I am 3 wks post-op and still wearing a tank. (Costco has 2 pk for $13!)
April 26, 2011
And Costco ... what are you covering your incision with now? Is the tape off? I will be getting silicon sheathing to apply daily at some point and I am wondering how that will stay on. I want to try to minimize the scarring as much as possible (as I am sure everyone wants to) and I have a concoction of essential oils I have blended that have healing properties for skin, as well, I have a skin ultrasound machine that I will be using (daily) once I get the go ahead from Dr. Mehling. I didn't take care of my c-section scar after the revision and back then didn't know anything about the skin, so this time I am going to be prepared! On another note, when I was 21 I got chicken pox very severely, I had them everywhere and many on my face, I used a similar essential oil blend and didn't get one pox mark! I am going to take pictures of my incision and actually hope to market this regime for others wanting to minimize post surgical scarring or scarring of any kind for that matter! The trick is it needs to be done while the skin is actively healing but after the skin has fused/scabbed over. Any other suggestions you have are greatly appreciated!
April 26, 2011
Ooooh...I am curious about this concoction of yours! ummmm.... I think I am in your area. LOL
I have been told by 2 PS and my GP, to avoid vitamin E... however, it was all I used on my kids' scrapes when they were young, prior to that advice.
My PS did internal, dissolvable stitches on my incision, and then steri-stripped. The tape came off at 2 weeks post-op. I have not used anything on my incision since. I haven't actually taken a thourough look at the entire cut yet. (I'm squeamish and makes me feel icky.) I cover it only with my stretchy tank and then the binder.
My PS warned not to use anything on the scar until it is fused together, and suggested that we discuss scar treatment at my 6 week appt. I recently saw a PS at the UofA (unrelated issue) and he insisted that the only thing that works for scars is silicone and message therapy... but also warned that it needed to be 'healed over'. I have been using Maderma on that (small facial) scar for 7 weeks, but I can't determine if it has helped yet.
I have seen mixed reviews on the silicone strips, but I ordered the Gelzone Garment Wrap today. As an underprivlidged Canadian (lol), it cost me a fortune, and I'm sure it will take at least 2 weeks to come in.
I have been told by 2 PS and my GP, to avoid vitamin E... however, it was all I used on my kids' scrapes when they were young, prior to that advice.
My PS did internal, dissolvable stitches on my incision, and then steri-stripped. The tape came off at 2 weeks post-op. I have not used anything on my incision since. I haven't actually taken a thourough look at the entire cut yet. (I'm squeamish and makes me feel icky.) I cover it only with my stretchy tank and then the binder.
My PS warned not to use anything on the scar until it is fused together, and suggested that we discuss scar treatment at my 6 week appt. I recently saw a PS at the UofA (unrelated issue) and he insisted that the only thing that works for scars is silicone and message therapy... but also warned that it needed to be 'healed over'. I have been using Maderma on that (small facial) scar for 7 weeks, but I can't determine if it has helped yet.
I have seen mixed reviews on the silicone strips, but I ordered the Gelzone Garment Wrap today. As an underprivlidged Canadian (lol), it cost me a fortune, and I'm sure it will take at least 2 weeks to come in.
April 27, 2011
I find it very interesting that Dr.'s are so quick to speak negatively about alternative treatments. Most support only those treatments that have been studied with proven results (ok, so I can understand that) but that is an extremely expensive endeavor, even if you know your product works. The only other situation that Dr.'s recommend a treatment or product, is when they have seen their own patients benefit from it through their own observation. From what I gather with the vitamin E, it won't hurt a scar but there is no proof that it improves a scar either - but the massaging part of its application, is what's beneficial. This makes sense because Vitamin E cannot penetrate the upper layer of skin, it acts as a barrier to keep in moisture though. That being said, I made a blend of organic essential oils that do have proven skin healing properties, unfortunately, one of the oils is on order, its difficult to source and very expensive, that is the down side. The Ultrasound devices that I sell are high quality, medical grade; hand-held and operate at 2 MHz, which sends micro-vibrations to the deeper layers of the epidermis (essentially massaging the skin), stimulating collagen production as well as helping the oil blend penetrate the skin barrier. I have been using ultrasound treatments on my face for the past 5 years and it is amazing! The ultrasound requires a gel conductor and I use a completely organic product that in itself has very healing properties. If you are interested in the ultrasound machine, I have a demo machine that I was going to put up on ebay, it is a 3 MHz machine, so safe for face and body. It has only been used for demo's a handful of times but I no longer need it. The Gelzone Wrap looks interesting! My belief is that there is no one-cream or treatment that will work, a combination of therapies is required!
April 27, 2011
Well spoken. I completely agree with you. It follows along the same debate of homeopathic remedies vs. pharmacueticals. (I grew up with a hippie, naturopath mother lol)
I am interested in that demo machine, but my knowledge is very limited. I will private message you.
I am interested in that demo machine, but my knowledge is very limited. I will private message you.
April 21, 2011
Try not to be nervous. I had a full TT on Feb. 25. I don't even remember going home. I was really, really nervous also. Seriously, it's not that bad. I have four kids. 19, 14, 8 and 5. One of those was a C-section. Let me tell you.....It wasn't no where near as bad as a C-section. The drain tubes aren't that bad either. You will be so glad u did it. I don't regret it one bit. I have never felt so good. The only problem was the pain medicine caused constipation. Be sure and eat right and take a stool softener. That was my only problem. I think I slept in my recliner the first day or so. I just wish I had done this sooner!
April 24, 2011
I am a super health nut eater - I have coconut milk and coconut butter to help me 'go' after surgery! I hope that my experience is as good as yours :)
April 21, 2011
Hi Susan,
I am in Red Deer and have my TT with liposuction booked for May 2/11 and I am nervous as well! I am a smoker which scares me but I have quit for the 2 weeks before and I hope to keep it this way for life.
I am in Red Deer and have my TT with liposuction booked for May 2/11 and I am nervous as well! I am a smoker which scares me but I have quit for the 2 weeks before and I hope to keep it this way for life.
April 21, 2011
Hi Susan;
I had my mini tuck 9 days ago and feel great! I also have kept in shape and had skin only tuck don;t think he touched any muscle. I had a csection with my oldest who is 20 and had a bad experience also so I was so scared! Don;t worry you will be fine.Make sure to keep up with your meds even if you are not in pain this way you won't feel any pain the worst of it is the constipation :( Start taking colace as soon as you get home 2 to 3 times a day. I slept in bed with my hubby from day 1 I bought a wedge pillow and put a pillow under my legs got up 3 times on my own to use the bathroom first night home..Don't worry about the drain more of a pain in the neck it doesnt hurt at all/ I drained mine myself..Had it taken out today and I feel like I can run a marathon! You'll do fine go for it!
I had my mini tuck 9 days ago and feel great! I also have kept in shape and had skin only tuck don;t think he touched any muscle. I had a csection with my oldest who is 20 and had a bad experience also so I was so scared! Don;t worry you will be fine.Make sure to keep up with your meds even if you are not in pain this way you won't feel any pain the worst of it is the constipation :( Start taking colace as soon as you get home 2 to 3 times a day. I slept in bed with my hubby from day 1 I bought a wedge pillow and put a pillow under my legs got up 3 times on my own to use the bathroom first night home..Don't worry about the drain more of a pain in the neck it doesnt hurt at all/ I drained mine myself..Had it taken out today and I feel like I can run a marathon! You'll do fine go for it!
April 24, 2011
Good for you! I am getting excited and hope for a fast recovery too. Would love to see your pictures, there aren't many mini-tuck pics anywhere??
May 8, 2011
Hi! Wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing now?? My surgery was yesterday and all went well! I have a split drain and you were right, not so bad. How much was draining for you right before your Dr removed it? Also, you mention taking colace, I have senekot, should I take that now?
May 8, 2011
yes start taking it 2 to 3 times a day the worst part or the recovery was the constipation so if you can avoid that alittle you will do great..Cant wait to see your pictures!
UPDATED FROM Susan9929
2 days pre
Today was the last workout before my surgery and...
Today was the last workout before my surgery and it was a good one - two more sleeps! I am looking forward to getting this over with and to start my recovery. The anticipation of what I am going to look like is killing me!!
Replies (4)
May 5, 2011
I have had my share of negative comments about this as well, but it's par for the course, there will always be someone trying to shoot you down. It would be a different story if they were in our shoes. We live in a society that expects women to look perfect and that puts so much pressure on our body image. I wish I could just be happy with my body; I truly have tried to accept it, but I always end up in some situation where I feel embarrassed about my stomach and I am so tired of feeling that way.
So, on that note, good luck tomorrow and good for you! You deserve to feel beautiful :).
So, on that note, good luck tomorrow and good for you! You deserve to feel beautiful :).
May 8, 2011
Well, I missed this comment somehow but, yes you are right our society is much different than it was.......and I have also tried to be happy with my tummy and just accept it but like you couldn't!!
May 8, 2011
Well now it's done and we can look forward to feeling confident again! Keep in touch - looking forward to seeing ur post op pics!!
UPDATED FROM Susan9929
Day of treatment
Had my surgery today and I feel great! Very...
Had my surgery today and I feel great! Very minimal pain so far - hoping tomorrow is the same. The drain is not so bad and the binder feels perfectly supportive. I won't see anything until my first post-op visit on Monday - excited to see what I look like under all this padding :)
Replies (7)
May 8, 2011
Susan...How awesome that you had VBAC twins! I'm a birth doula so I love to see that :0) Can't wait to see your pictures in the coming weeks!
May 8, 2011
Hi! I was so fortunate to find an obgyn who wod allow me to try a natural birth with twins after a c-section. He was an older doctor with experience with multiples. He stayed with me the whole time, even though he was done for the night. His intern wanted to get me in the OR but my doctor told him, this woman will have a natural birth - be patient. I loved him for that! You have a great job :). I will post pics next week. Take care!
May 8, 2011
Yes you were fortunate to find a patient OB! I had twins (naturally birthed) myself 23 years ago and also had a patient OB who sat at the end of my bed for 2 hours waiting for the 2nd twin to decide to come out!
May 9, 2011
I love hearing those stories - too many women have c-sections these days! Having a natural birth is such an amazing experience :)
May 8, 2011
hey fellow alberta, might I ask how tall you are and how much you weigh? I read alot of people gettin this done but i really wish they would add their heights and weights,lol thanks
May 8, 2011
kind of got a odd question, you said you had 3 kids, so was your belly like that after after 2? or did the 3 rd kid make it that way, I have 2 and thinking about a 3rd.
I had heard that it would be hard to sit up and down in bed so bought a very expensive lifter so I would not have to strain. Never used it. I suggest that rather than the bed, the first few days you stay semi seated on a couch with pillows under your knees and behind your head. I did it for about three days. It was quite comfortable. Also at this time, I availed myself of lots of Percocet. It's one of the benefits that goes along with this surgery so you might as well enjoy it.
I admit that the drains were gross. Luckily, my husband is an M.D. so he took care of all of that. I know that you can do the drains yourself-lots of women do-so you just have to be motivated enough. I think I could do it myself now. The drains stayed in just a few days-less than a week.
I have a gross scar which I attribute to not healing well after blood loss. However, I was playing golf (still wasn't healed) in about 6 weeks post op.
This was not that big a deal. The recovery isn't going to be anywhere as bad as you think.